Russell Allen Eubanks of Pinckneyville

Russell Allen Eubanks, age 86, of Pinckneyville, Illinois, passed away at 6:21 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022 in the Pinckneyville Community Hospital emergency room.

Russ was born on Dec. 31, 1935 in Pinckneyville, a son to George Russell and Hazel Lucille (Stevenson) Eubanks. On Aug. 12, 1961 he married Sharon Kay Fulk in Pinckneyville, and she survives.

Russ served in the U.S. Army as a PFC from February 1957 to February 1959. He completed his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees and he was awarded a National Science Foundation Grant.

Russ taught science and math for many years in Steeleville, Illinois, after teaching math for four years at University of Rio Grande in Rio Grande, Ohio. He was a strong Christian in faith starting when he was a teenager. Russ will be most remembered by his love of nature, kindness and piano talents, especially his own rendition of "Pop Goes the Weasel."

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Sharon Kay Eubanks of Pinckneyville; two children, David (Melinda) Eubanks of Greenville, South Carolina and Amy (Robert) Whalen of Dunlap, Tennessee; four grandchildren, Daniel (Molly) Whalen of Fairfax, Virginia, Amanda (Kevin) Derendorf of Princeton, New Jersey, Sean Whalen of Knoxville, Tennessee and Krista Eubanks of Greenville, South Carolina; and a large beloved family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Benjamin Neal Eubanks Sr.

Because of health concerns for the community, a private family service will be held. A public memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to the Perry County Humane Society. Pyatt Funeral Home in Pinckneyville has been entrusted with the arrangements. For information or to sign a guest register, visit pyattfuneralhome.com.